/betimes/definition

betimes

-) Adverb.

-) Pronunciation and accent: bɪtaɪmz. 

-) Etymology: it is analysed into be- (for by) + TIME + -s (= adverbial ending. Cf. beside, besides); that is, by the proper time. 

-) 1. At an early time or period; early in life.

… he should learn betimes to do every thing for himself…

Horace Smith… Brambletye house 1826

… in order to begin his favourite study betimes in the morning, he generally retired early to rest at night.

Edward Hook… The Parson’s daughter 1833

It is, or it is not, according to the nature of men, an advantage to be orphaned at an early age. Perhaps utter orphanage is rarely or never such: but to lose a father betimes profits a strong mind greatly.

Quincey… The Caesars 1851

A sorrowful indifference to existence often pressed on me--a despairing resignation to reach betimes the end of all things earthly.

Bronte… Villette 1853

-) 2. In particular: at an early time in the morning.

The next morning Mr. Gudge was up betimes: for the dismissal of Sprouts compelled him to be very early at the office.

Albert Smith… The struggles and adventures… 1846

I must be astir betimes; I have a great work to do to-morrow.

George Whyte Melville… Holmby House 1860

Betimes in the morning I was up and out.

Dickens… Great Expectations 1861

-) 3. In good time; before it is late. 

-) Translation: tôt, in French; a tiempo, in Spanish; di buon'ora, in Italian.

 And yet, perhaps, if he knows it betimes, he may find some means of defeating this fine project.

Hannah Jones… The Scottish Chieftains 1831

It was very lucky, indeed, that Overweg and I, with our people, kept well together in the foremost part of the train, for the natives, rushing suddenly out from their hiding-place upon the stragglers, laid hold of two camels, with which they immediately made good their retreat, their young riders, who a moment before had shown such courage, having betimes jumped off their animals and run away.

Heinrich Barth… Travels and discoveries… vol. II 1857

-) 4. Soon, speedily, anon, forthwith.